How to Make Small Breasts Look Bigger

Co-authored by Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Last Updated: January 22, 2023 References Approved

If you're not satisfied with your breast size, you don't have to try hormone pills or get breast-enlarging surgery to become more comfortable with your body. The right bra or item of clothing can make a world of difference when it comes to making small breasts look larger. Muscle-strengthening and posture-improvement exercises can further enhance your chest size if you remain unsatisfied. When all else fails, makeup and contouring can highlight your chest and make it appear larger.

Things You Should Know

Underwire bras, horizontal stripes, and shapewear are all especially flattering on a smaller chest.
Exercise your chest with pushups and dumbells—by strengthening this part of your body, you can make your breasts appear larger over time.
Use bronzer and contour to create a "v" shape over the tops of your breasts, because this will make them look larger.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Right Bra

1
Take body measurements to pick the right bra for your size. A snug bra can make your chest appear larger than it would be in ill-fitting counterparts. Measure directly under your bust, following the circumference of your ribcage, for your bra band size. To find your bust size, measure around the fullest part of your chest.^{[1]
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- When you're ready to find your cup size, subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement and consult your country's bra sizing chart.
2
Opt for soft-seamed bras over contour bras for everyday use. Firm contour bras can make breasts settle at the bottom of the cup and appear small. Choose a seamed bra to give your breasts a natural, more secure size and shape.^{[2]
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- Contour bras keep their shape even when not worn, whereas seamed bras are made of floppy fabric that molds to your breast shape.
- If you do choose a contour bra, make sure it is the right size to avoid minimizing your breast size.
3
Wear an underwire bra for a larger, more flattering shape. Underwire bras can offer a subtle lift while working with your bust size. The support they offer keeps your chest comfortable while offering a natural shape. Types of underwire bras include demi-bras, strapless bras, and low plunge bras.
- Underwire bras may not be as comfortable for pear-shaped bodies or people with prominent ribs, as the wires can splay out and poke the skin. If underwire bras cause you pain to wear, try wearing a seamed or push-up bra.
4
Find a push-up bra with crescent-shaped padding. The crescent shape can push your breast tissue toward the center to make a more defined cleavage line. Look for a push-up bra with stretch-to-fit cups, which may better mold to your chest.^{[3]
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- Padded sports bras and bikini tops are available for a larger shape when swimming or working out.
5
Check your bra for wear every 3-4 months. Old, worn bras will not hold your chest up as well. Spandex, in particular, tends to break down when worn frequently over time. Put on your bra and look at your side profile in the mirror. If your nipples are not lifted but instead are pointing downward, it's time to buy a new bra.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Wearing Clothes that Accentuate Your Body Shape

1
Pick fitted clothes for a more prominent hourglass shape. Making your waist appear smaller can create an hourglass shape and make your breasts appear larger. Choose a cinched or high-waisted clothing item to give your body a more fitted shape. Add a belt to your outfit for an increased fitted style.^{[4]
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- Loose, flowy tops can make your bust appear smaller.
2
Wear clothes with horizontal stripes. Horizontal lines can make your chest appear wider and help your breasts look more prominent. Thicker lines will have a stronger effect than thin horizontal lines. Offset your shirt with a solid-colored skirt or pair of pants to best accentuate your bust area.^{[5]
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- Some people might find horizontal stripes less flattering to their body type. Ruffled tops can also add some weight to your chest area without making your upper body look larger as a whole.
3
Choose an accessory worn over your chest. Making your chest area the focal point of your outfit can make your breasts seem bigger. Wear a necklace, chest brooch, or pendant to draw attention to your bust. Short necklaces with a large medallion can heighten the illusion of a larger chest.^{[6]
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4
Try shapewear to enhance your chest. Shapewear can make your chest appear larger while working with your natural body shape. Shaping tops with a built-in bra are ideal for increasing the size of your chest. Buy shapewear in-person to make sure you buy the right size.^{[7]
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- Avoid buying shapewear that is too large. Baggy shapewear can cause unsightly wrinkles underneath your clothes.
- Wearing two seamless, smooth-cupped bras is also an option that can make your chest look bigger.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Exercising and Improving Your Posture

1
Keep your back straight to make your breasts appear larger. Hunching over can make your chest appear much smaller than it actually is. If you tend to lean or roll your shoulders over while sitting or standing, keep your shoulders straight and upright. Practice posture exercises to straighten your back and make your chest look larger.^{[8]
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2
Do push ups to strengthen your chest area. Contrary to popular belief, larger chest muscles will not shrink your bust size but enhance it. Do push-ups to work your chest muscles on a daily basis. Place your palms flat on the floor, with your arms and feet about shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows, then push your arms up again. Repeat until you are satisfied with your workout.^{[9]
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Research source} Start out by doing 5-10 push-ups at a time, and increase this number over time.^{[10]
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- If you're unable to do push-ups on your toes, try kneeling while following the same technique.
- Try wall push-ups by following the same technique against a wall instead of the floor.^{[11]
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3
Use a medicine ball to enlarge your chest muscles. Lie face up on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat. Hold a medicine ball over your chest, then throw the ball straight up as high as possible. Catch the ball with your arms straight, then lower your arms back down and repeat.^{[12]
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4
Bench press with dumbbells or barbells. Weight exercises focusing on your chest can make your bust look larger over time. Begin with barbell exercises, which are more accessible for beginners. Then, move onto dumbbell presses as you become more experienced with weight training.^{[13]
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5
Exercise for at least 1 month before measuring your results. Gaining muscle takes time, and you may have to exercise for 4-6 weeks before you notice any changes to your figure. If you do not see results after this time, increase the length or intensity of your workout.
- Vary your workout every 6-12 weeks to keep your body constantly adapting to the workout and changing over time.^{[14]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Contouring Your Chest

1
Find a blush or contour brush. Medium-sized, flat brushes are ideal for contouring. Fluffier powder brushes will not blend your contour as well and give you less control over its shape. Smaller, eyeshadow brushes are also not ideal because of their streakier finish.^{[15]
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2
Choose a matte bronzer. Contouring creates the appearance of shadows on your chest to make your bust look bigger. Look for a bronzer one or two shades darker than your skin tone. This will help your contour look more natural and give you control over the shape.^{[16]
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- Test the bronzer on your hand before applying it to your breasts to ensure you got the right color.
- Pair the bronzer with a highlighter powder with a slight sheen.
3
Contour over the top parts of your breasts. Apply bronzer to your chest in a v-shape over and to the center of your cleavage. Then, brush your highlighter over the tops of your breasts and around the v-shape. This will give your breasts the illusion of appearing larger and fuller.^{[17]
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Blend the bronzer with your brush. Use your brush to dust over the bronzer and highlighter, blending them together into a smoother contour. Step back and examine your contour in the mirror to make sure you don't have any noticeable bronzer streaks.^{[18]
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- Check your reflection in an area with natural light to accurately gauge how your contour looks.

Expert Q&A

Question

When is it a good time to start wearing bras?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

Once a girl has developed breasts, it's a good time to start wearing bras. This is especially true if she is active, such as exercising and playing sports.
Question

What if people make fun of me for having small breasts?

Community Answer

There is no right or wrong way to have breasts, and it's very lame to make fun of someone just because she has her own kind of body. Big or small breasts, you are beautiful.
Question

Is it possible to have an A-cup and still be a model?

Community Answer

Of course! People with smaller breasts can be very successful models. Companies today look for a variety of body types in their models.

Warnings

Don't judge your self-worth by your breast size! Embrace your beauty, regardless of your body type. Every person is stunning in their own way.

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